Council invites community feedback on renewable energy benefits policy
Published on 27 October 2026
Rockhampton Regional Council is asking for feedback on its Renewable Energy Community Benefit Scheme Policy, to ensure local communities share in the benefits of large scale renewable energy developments.
The policy, which was recently adopted, sets out a framework for how Council will manage the social impacts of renewable energy projects, including solar farms, wind farms, energy storage developments and large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
The framework is made up of two core components - a mandatory Social Impact Assessment and a Community Benefit Agreement.
Under recent legislative changes, eligible wind, solar and large scale BESS projects must complete a Social Impact Assessment and enter into a Community Benefit Agreement with Council before lodging a development application with the State Assessment and Referral Agency.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said the consultation is open until 29 November, giving residents the chance to have their say on the draft policy.
“The online survey seeks feedback on how the policy can guide the management of social impacts from renewable energy developments and support Community Benefit Agreements that deliver the best outcomes for local communities,” Mayor Williams said.
“Residents are also invited to attend an information session at Southside Library on Wednesday, 4 November, to learn more about the policy and how to provide feedback.
“The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete. Council will review all feedback before making any changes and presenting the final policy for adoption.”
Planning and Regulation Councillor Grant Mathers said the policy outlined guiding principles, roles, responsibilities and expectations at every stage of the process.
“The Social Impact Assessment ensures social impacts are properly identified and assessed, while the Community Benefit Agreement secures tangible benefits for the community, whether that be infrastructure, services or financial contributions,” Cr Mathers said.
The policy also sets minimum financial contribution rates which aligns with current industry standards across Queensland and New South Wales.
For the current financial year, minimum annual contributions will be $900 per megawatt of approved capacity for solar energy developments, $1100 per megawatt for wind energy developments, and $900 per megawatt for energy storage developments, including hydro. For Battery Energy Storage Systems, the minimum contribution will be $160 per approved megawatt-hour per annum.
These rates will apply to Community Benefit Agreements executed in the 2026-27 financial year and will be adjusted annually by CPI for the life of the project.
Cr Mathers said having a clear policy would provide greater certainty and transparency for both the community and renewable energy proponents.
“Council has endorsed the framework, but we want to hear from the community and stakeholders to make sure the policy is as effective and practical as possible,” Cr Mathers said.
“Importantly, the policy is focused on managing community benefits, not on supporting or opposing renewable energy developments or influencing the assessment and approval of individual projects.”
Council will consider all consultation feedback, with the policy to be reviewed after three months to assess how feedback can be incorporated and identify any practical improvements to the framework.
Community consultation will close 29 November 2026.
COMMUNITY SESSION
Council is inviting the community to attend an information session on Wednesday 4 November, to learn more about the policy and how to provide feedback.
- Wednesday, 4 November 2026, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Fitzroy Room, Southside Library, 230 Bolsover St, Rockhampton City QLD 4700
To view the policy and provide feedback, visit Council’s Engage Website: https://engage.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/renewable-energy-community-benefit-policy